E36 abs asc lights on, module not found.

[M7roadrunner]

I have an e36 318tds touring of 98 vintage and recently both abs light and asc light came on. They came on at start up and never went out,I hadn't seen a flicker from them beforehand.
I connected the car to a mates Launch system only to find that the abs module couldn't be read.
I have checked the fuses for the abs system and all seem ok, I have read on google that there are also two relays that control the abs system, but any pictures I seen have them in a spot where I have no relays. There is also no 'map' of relays on the fuse box lid.
Has anyone had any experience of these systems? I take it I should be able to read the module even if it is faulty and I should be looking for a faulty power supply to the module, hence the checking for relays.
I have found an online service manual for my car but can't seem to find a wiring diagram for the abs/asc system.
Any suggestions appreciated.

[fluffmister]

I had this problem. Had to replace my module and they it read and told me the fault which was a wheel speed sensor


Sent from a land far far away

[dergside]

Might not be relevant in this case but I see you've already been thinking along these lines. I had a similar problem with an e36 325i a good few years ago. ABS light came up but specialist couldn't read the module when he went to check the diags. Turned out to be a faulty ABS relay. When it was replaced, straight in to the ECU and confirmed that the ABS light was caused by a faulty NS sensor.

[M7roadrunner]

I had this problem. Had to replace my module and they it read and told me the fault which was a wheel speed sensor


Sent from a land far far away

Did you have someone diagnose that the module was gone or did you take a chance on it and just replace it?

Might not be relevant in this case but I see you've already been thinking along these lines. I had a similar problem with an e36 325i a good few years ago. ABS light came up but specialist couldn't read the module when he went to check the diags. Turned out to be a faulty ABS relay. When it was replaced, straight in to the ECU and confirmed that the ABS light was caused by a faulty NS sensor.

This is what I'm hoping, if I could just locate the abs relay(s) and swap them out.
I think I'll keep looking for a wiring diagram to see will it shed some light on it.

[fluffmister]

Did you have someone diagnose that the module was gone or did you take a chance on it and just replace it?



This is what I'm hoping, if I could just locate the abs relay(s) and swap them out.
I think I'll keep looking for a wiring diagram to see will it shed some light on it.

it wouldn't show a error so was told (can't remember was either valdis or super4) and once i put the new module in i went back and got the codes read and they read straight away this time

[M7roadrunner]

I gave any relays I could see a good rattle last night, took them out and reseated them.
This morning on my way to work the lights went out.
I'm certain I have a dodgy relay in the abs system, I will hunt for a proper wiring diagram.

[Lucifer]

E36 does not always have an ABS relay in the fuse box. If it does its red and has ABS is written on it.
I bet if the ABS codes cant be read because the pump its self is at fault.
Some E36s especially 318is has the relay bit built into the pump itself.
What I would do if I was you would be buy a second hand pump (FROM A CAR WITH NO RELAY IN FUSEBOX!!) a 318is with the same codes written on there.
Its easy to change if you have brake spanners or just buy a set in the pound shop and butcher them so they fit on/over the lines.
Once the pump is swapped, system bled, and the system checks itself the lights will go out.
If you read about the pump being repaired its not really relevant for this scenario that's more for 6cy cars.
Speaking from personal experience here.

[rebel.ranter]

Do you have to change the Launch setting to suit the ADS protocol or does it know that automatically?

[HealyC]

Do you have to change the Launch setting to suit the ADS protocol or does it know that automatically?

Launch diagnostics doesn't like E36 abs for some reason, try it with GT1 or a better brand such as Bosch or Gutman.




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[Lucifer]

It just sorted itself out no coding and abs was readable after. My Abs worked with the lights on. Traction control was off with the lights on.

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